TFD: Chris Johnson gets encouragement from Adrian Peterson, not in danger of losing starting job yet

Good times.

November 1, 2011 at 9:51PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Remember in 2009, when Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson had a minor war of words over who was the best running back in the NFL? Peterson insisted he was No. 1. Johnson, meanwhile, thought he was the best. He said this: "I don't [compare myself to Peterson]. I am the best back in the league, he is not. I don't think it is close. I feel like I am above all the other running backs in the league. I feel like I am above him." That quote seems rather humorous now that Johnson -- fresh off a holdout that netted him a $53 million extension, including $30 million in guaranteed money -- is averaging 2.8 yards per carry and is essentially splitting time with a more effective Javon Ringer.

Peterson, meanwhile, is as good -- if not better -- than ever and would have to be considered the NFL's best back by 100 percent of sane people. Why, he even apparently called Johnson recently to tell him to "keep his head up."

Classy move by All Day, even if it might have rubbed salt in an old wound.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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